International Development Economics – PLCY782
University of Maryland, School of Public Policy
Examines key current economic and policy issues for developing and transition economies. Topics include inflation stabilization, fiscal policy, selected trade issues, dealing with international capital flows, the role of multilateral organizations, such as the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank, and issues relating to saving, investment and growth.
Program Evaluation and Cost Benefit Analysis- PLCY 698E
This course provides an overview of program evaluation and cost-benefit analysis. The major topics emphasized are: (1) the design and implementation of programs and policies, (2) the assessment of program and policy impacts, including cost-effectiveness and cost-benefit calculations, and (3) the monitoring of the ongoing operations of programs and policies. Exercises are used to reinforce the readings and hone analytic skills. Overarching the course is a concern for the moral dimensions of social programs and decision making in the face of uncertainty.
Developmental Challenges – PLCY698R
University of Maryland School of Public Policy
Over the last two decades the field of development economics has been revolutionized by the spread of experimental evaluations as well as the increased use of non-experimental evaluations to study policies and programs that work in promoting economic development. Experimental evaluations randomly assign groups to receive or not receive a particular program whereas non experimental evaluations find adequate comparison groups using alternative methodologies. The results of these pilot studies potentially allow policy makers to allocate budget and design policies with knowledge of how in practice these policies are likely to affect the population. In this course we will begin by studying the practice and design of randomized experiments as well as non-experimental methods in development. We will then examine recent selected examples of theses economics oriented interventions carried out in the developing world principally in the areas of education and health. At the end of the course the student will have acquired a general knowledge of how evaluations can be done to inform economic development as well as knowledge of economic interventions that improve education and health in developing countries.
Susan W. Parker 